Shaolin Soccer is a shining example of not only how to make an action/comedy, but how to make it work. It was the top moneymaker at the HK box office last year, and it's easy to see why. Shaolin Soccer has it all, and the US should take note. It's funny, it's action and SPFX packed,it's well acted, well written, and most importantly... ORIGINAL (to a certain extent)!! Hollywood studios take note!

A down on his luck ex soccer player (unfairly injured by his nemesis in a flashback) puts together an unlikely group of soccer players headed by Stephen Chow (who also co-directed). Their intention is to use Shaolin Kung-Fu to achieve victory and win 1 million dollars at a local soccer tournament. The story screams of Karate Kid, as the underdogs are constantly being pushed down and spit upon. Corruption is everywhere, and our unlikely heroes seem to be the only group not cheating. Will victory be theirs, or are they just wasting their time. I think we all know the answer, but it sure is fun to watch them get there!

Shaolin Soccer is full of digital effects, and high flying kung fu action. Some of the effects are more than convincing, while others, simply are not. Either way, this film grabs you and doesn't let go. There are definitely serious intentions behind the camera, but the story is so tongue and cheek, it constantly has a campy edge. One of the reasons the film works so well is because of this campy edge. We care about these characters when they are brutally being beaten and put down, yet we don't question when a soccer ball in play magically turns into a flaming tiger. It may sound silly, yes, but in the context of the film, all of these elements come together.

Shaolin Soccer looks good, despite the fact that there is minimal print damage. Some specs show up here and there, but for the most part, the transfer is quite pleasing. Colors are strong and stable which leads to a really sharp image. The DTS and 5.1 mixes are dynamically awesome, and sound great. The DTS track has a bit of an edge with sounds that just fill the room, and directional effects that take this experience to a whole new level. The English subtitles are nice and clear and removable if not poorly translated, but we get the idea. I had a problem with some weird horizontal lines that showed up sporadically throughout the film. It was like this on 3 different players. Not too distracting but I'm not sure If my DVD was defective or if it was an authoring issue. Despite this slight issue, the film is unbelievably watchable, and the transfer is quite good.

Extras include an extended version of the film, with about 10 minutes of extra footage and 2 behind the scenes segments, including special effects demos. We get some talent bios (not in English) and some outtakes... gotta love those outtakes.

Overall, this is one impressive package that you can acquire locally for about 20 bucks (I got mine for 10 straight from HK). Shaolin Soccer is without a doubt one of the coolest movies I have seen in a long time, and it's worth every penny. Better to catch this version before Mirimax releases this film in the US. Rumor has it the film will be dubbed (most likely with the voice "talents" of Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks), edited down for time concerns, probably have a new soundtrack and a new title "Kung-Fu Soccer" ugh. Not only can't the US make a movie right; we can't even import a movie right! Get this DVD now!